Bad Breath…And What to Do About It

Breathing is the source of live for humans, and is something we all have in common. Breathing is also a big part of speaking which is one of our primary methods of communication. Being that, your breath is a huge part of first impressions, and general impressions when it comes to social relationships, your career, dating, etc.

You take care of your outward appearance — your clothes, hair, etc., to make sure you’re presentable and clean, and your breath deserves the same attention. The trouble is, our own bad breath is not always apparent to us, and most people would be very relunctant to tell you that you have bad breath, and hence, they may be forced to suffer in silence. It’s your job to make sure your breath is as polished as your appearance.

There are two types of bad breath:

1. Incidental bad breath — occuring mainly after eating strongly flavored, or pungent foods, or from dehydration.
2. Chronic bad breath — occuring from poor dental hygiene, gum disease, medications, smoking, chronic illnesses, improper digestion, or sinus infections.

What you should do if you suspect you have bad breath:

1. Ask a friend or a family member who you trust if you suspect you might have bad breath. Someone you trust should be able to give it to you straight. Let them know that your feelings won’t be hurt by their reposnse, and that you simply want to ensure you take appropriate action to address any underlying causes.
2. Talk to your dentist. Get a thorough checkup to ensure your gums are healthy and there is no sign of gum disease or other dental condition.
3. If you suffer from sinusitis or allergies, or have chronic post-nasal drip, this could cause bad breath. Talk to an ENT doctor to get necessary treatment if this is your case.
4. Follow a very diligent at-home oral care routine as outline below to ensure the health of your teeth and gums. No matter the condition, you can help stave off bad breath by following a very diligent oral health routine.

Plaque forms on the teeth and tongue from everyday food consumption, with it harboring microorganisms and bacteria. Bacteria left lingering on the teeth and tongue can contribute to periodontal diseases which not only cause bad breath, but have been linked to diabetes and artery disease, as well as stroke. Doing everything possible to prevent the build up of plaque and microorganisms that cause periodontal disease is the key to overall health and fresh breath!

• Flossing: Cleaning between the teeth with floss EVERY SINGLE DAY. You absolutely have to do this to get rid of food debris and plaque from in between the teeth. Flossing is the primary building block to a healthy mouth. When you floss, angle the floss so that it goes against both sides of the gum/tooth line to ensure you clean areas where your toothbrush won’t reach. To learn about the different types of flossing options available out there, check out Master The Skills of Flossing for a Stunning Smile — Forever Young
• Brushing your teeth morning and night with a soft toothbrush. Brushing your teeth helps clean your teeth and gumline of plaque. Brushing your teeth twice a day ensures that you get rid of as much bacteria harboring plauqe as possible. If you’re able to accomodate it into your schedule, you should brush after every meal. To brush correctly tilt your toothbrush at 45 degree angle towards the gum line, then, move the toothbrush in a circular motion as you brush.
• Clean your tongue — plaque forms on the tongue as well as the teeth, and if you neglect to clean your tongue, this alone could be the cause of bad breath. For tips on cleaning your tongue check out 5 Tips For Using a Tongue Cleaner to Ensure a Healthy Mouth — Forever Young
• Rinsing — using an antiseptic rinse twice daily. Rinsing helps flush out plaque that brushing and flossing may have left behind, and helps protect your gums from bacteria.
• Drink plenty of water — dry mouth can easily cause bad breath, so make sure to stay hydrated. This is not just good for your breath but your overall health and wellbeing.
• Stay away from overly processed foods and foods high in sugars — starchy and overly processed foods are why today humans are having more dental problems. Fibrous foods such as green vegetables don’t contribute as much to layers of plaque on the teeth and therefore help prevent dental diseases.
• Visit your dentist on a regular basis — at least twice a year, and more often if you have an underlying condition that requires more frequent monitoring. Talk to your dentist about the best follow-up frequency for you, and make sure to stick to it.

Following the above tips should help keep your breath fresh and friendly! If all else fails, talk to your primary doctor to rule out any underlying conditions that may be the source of your bad breath.